U's News

Craddock at the double for Oxford United

Tom Craddock got both goals as Oxford United rounded off their pre-season games with a 2-0 win against Oxford City.

The striker profited from a collision between Tyrone Marsh and on-trial City goalkeeper Warren Carter to open the scoring on 37 minutes.

And he struck again from the penalty spot 13 minutes from time after triallist Aaron Jones had been tripped in the box. U’s assistant manager Mickey Lewis was thrilled to see Craddock, who made just ten appearances last season due to injury, get among the goals.

He said: “Tommy Cradd-ock’s not played much football in the last year and now he’s had two lots of 90 minutes in four days, which is a big plus.

“The goals will do him the world of good.

“You always see with strikers that goals boost your confidence, so I’m delighted for him.”

Craddock’s strikes were the difference in an evenly contested game at Court Place Farm.

Neither goalkeeper had a great deal to do, with both sides having one eye on the start of competitive football next week.

United, not wanting to take any risks with their injury-hit squad just four days before the start of the season, began with six triallists.

Lewis admitted it did not mean United were on the verge of several signings.

He said: “If you ask anyone to come and play for you, it’s always to look and see if they can get into your squad.”

City boss Mike Ford felt both goals should have been ruled out for infringements in the build-up, but was pleased with his team’s efforts.

He said: “We looked fit enough, we got no injuries and I thought that was a couple of big steps forward for us.

“I thought we defended really well, we kept the ball better than we have done and as always it was a competitive game, so it was a decent run-out for us.”

It also provided a financial boost to the club, with almost 600 supporters attending.